Project

Call for Partners | PlantInS - Plant-based Ingredients from Sustainable sources

To meet growing challenges around sustainability, health, ingredient scarcity, and rising costs, we need a smarter, more flexible approach to plant-based ingredients. Many plant-based side-streams are an underutilized reservoir of protein- and fibre-rich ingredients. Concomitantly plant-proteins concentrates—rich in fibres— remain under-optimized for food use. By unlocking their potential, we can develop ingredients with high functionality, low environmental impact, and strong economic value.

The Opportunity 

Functional ingredient blends often outperform the functionality of single components. PlantInS will use this principle to exploit synergy in protein and fibres interactions in side-streams and alternative protein concentrates via smart processing. Through innovative processing and enzymatic treatments, we aim to valorise entire side-streams—such as press cakes, brewer’s spent grains, brans, okara, spent yeast, microbial proteins, and plant-protein concentrates—into multiple high-value ingredients. 

Smart Processing Meets AI 

We will tailor enzymatic modifications based on structure-function insights and physico-chemical principles, supported by AI tools to guide optimal enzyme selection and processing conditions. Advanced stabilization and downstream technologies will ensure safety, neutral taste (no off-flavors), and broad functionality. 

From Lab to Application

Functionality screenings will identify the most promising ingredients, which will then be validated in small-scale food applications.  

Overall, the project will result in a robust technological platform and techno-economic roadmap for the next generation of sustainable plant-based ingredients. 

Partners 

We are seeking collaborations with: 

  • Ingredient suppliers
  • Enzyme providers
  • Technology developers (e.g. supercritical CO₂ extraction, pulsed electric fields, high-pressure homogenization)
  • Food manufacturers and product developers

Let’s create the future of plant-based ingredients together!